The Commonwealth Blog

There are many reasons why Somerville is widely known as the center of the “hipster” universe but the largest reason why is found in the 2010 Census. Among all American communities, Somerville has the 2nd largest percentage of adult residents between the ages of 25 and 34 years of age. That, along with funky neighborhood squares (Davis, Union and Teele to name a few), Tufts University and a vibrant arts community, has fueled a booming economy and tremendous growth.

A two-time winner of the coveted All-America City Award, Somerville is now home to the much-anticipated Assembly Row which transformed a former Ford Motor Company plant along the Mystic River into a sprawling retail, entertainment and residential center that features Lego Land Discovery Center, more than a dozen fashion and shoe outlets, and hot eateries. At the same time, the city’s economy is booming thanks to a myriad of ethnic dining destinations (including Brazilian, Ethiopian, Haitian, and Peruvian cuisine), unique ‘mom and pop’ businesses (such as Brooklyn Boulders rock climbing, the Esh Circus Arts center, and the Aeronaut Brewery.)

Many notable public figures have called Somerville home, including native son and U.S. Congressman Mike Capuano (uncle of Hollywood star Chris Evans of Captain America fame), Boston University hockey coaching legend Jack Parker and Archibald Query, whom you may know as the inventor of the iconic sandwich spread Marshmallow Fluff. Mr. Query is celebrated every year at the “Fluff Festival,” which is billed as a “madcap” affair complete with a “Shenanigans Stage.”

Somerville’s access to the MBTA subway, rail and bus system (15 stations between the Orange, Green, Red, Commuter Rail and bus lines) makes it one the most commuter-friendly cities in Greater Boston and more than half of the city’s resident commute by public transit, walking, or bicycling.

Somerville has come a long way since the Revolutionary War, where one of the first rebellious acts took place in the fight for American independence, and the Industrial Revolution, which gave the city of 79,000 people a reputation as a blue-collar enclave during the 20th Century. Today, the average single-family home lists for $670,000 and the average condominium lists for $461,500. For information about listings in Somerville, contact Charlie Ball at (617) 666-2121.